Thirty-nine
The night was as dark as ink, spilling over every corner of Bianjing. The clash of swords at the Jiying Hall banquet had subsided, but the tense atmosphere, like an invisible spiderweb, quietly spread throughout the capital. The arrogance of the Liao envoys Yelü Zongzhen and Xiao Talan, and the sudden appearance of the secret spy list, all foreshadowed the turbulent undercurrents beneath the calm surface about to break free.
When Zhan Zhao returned to Xiao You's villa, it was nearly midnight. The courtyard was dimly lit, but the warm yellow light shining through the window of their bedroom seemed especially comforting in the chill of the autumn night.
After the warm embrace of the red silk curtains, the subtle barrier between them had melted away. Their actions now carried a natural intimacy.
"What do you think of that list?" Zhan Zhao poured a cup of warm tea and handed it to Xuan Yuan Tianyi. His voice was deep, carrying a hint of seriousness when handling official business, but his eyes never stopped following her.
Xuanyuan Tianyi took the teacup, her fingertips lightly touching his, bringing a touch of warmth. She leaned against the soft couch by the window, her gaze deep under the lamplight: "The people on the list hold various official positions, distributed across different departments, and even include some border generals. Yelü Zongzhen's ambitions are far more than just the tax revenue from the border markets. His true purpose is to coordinate from within and without, to shake the foundations of the nation."
Zhan Zhao sat down beside her, his brows furrowed slightly: "Xiao Talan mentioned the palace rumors in the hall at the perfect time. If you hadn't spoken up, I'm afraid Lord Bao and His Majesty would have been in a passive position. Their spies in the palace must be eliminated as soon as possible."
"Leave the palace matters to Zhenhe and the Empress to worry about." Xuanyuan Tianyi's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination. "Our target is the people on the list, and their network of contacts inside and outside Bianjing City. An Yu has already been dispatched, and the first batch of news should arrive by tomorrow at the latest."
She looked up at Zhan Zhao, a cold smile playing on her lips: "As for that 'official' hiding in the court, since he's so eager to silence him, he must be like an ant on a hot pan right now. We just need to wait and see, and wait for him to lose his composure."
Looking at her confident demeanor, Zhan Zhao felt a strange dissipation of the unease he had felt due to the unpredictable situation. With her by his side, it seemed that even the fiercest storms could eventually be weathered. He reached out and took her hand in his: "Alright. Tomorrow I will go to find Bai Yutang. He has many informants in the streets and underworld; perhaps he can find some clues that the government cannot easily access."
Xuan Yuan Tianyi didn't pull her hand away. Instead, she adjusted her posture and leaned closer to him more comfortably: "Bai Yutang is exceptionally quick-witted. With his help, we can certainly achieve twice the result with half the effort. However..." She paused and looked at Zhan Zhao, "You need to be careful about your safety. Now that the Liao people know you were framed, I'm afraid the person who set the trap is involved with them. After the conflict in the palace that day, they probably already see you as a thorn in their side."
"I understand." Zhan Zhao nodded, pulled her into his arms, and gently rested his chin on the top of her head. "For you, I will be careful in everything I do."
His promise was simple yet solemn. Xuan Yuantian closed his eyes, feeling the steady heartbeat and warm body temperature from his chest, and his mind gradually relaxed.
The next morning, Zhan Zhao rose early and practiced his sword as usual. The Giant Sword drew a sharp arc in the faint morning light, accompanied by a whistling sound. After a night's rest, his inner strength was abundant, and his swordplay became even more steady and fierce. Having broken through his barrier with Xuan Yuan Tianyi, the shackles in his heart had been lifted, and even his sword intent had become more refined.
Xuanyuan Tianyi, wearing an outer robe, stood under the corridor watching him practice swordsmanship, her gaze calm. Only when he finished his stance and returned his sword to its place, his breathing steady, did she slowly step forward, holding a secret letter she had just received.
"A message from An Yu." She handed the secret letter to Zhan Zhao. "Yongfeng Grain Store in the west of the city is an important transit point for Liao people's supplies. On the surface, they do grain business, but secretly they transport gold and silver and pass on messages."
Zhan Zhao quickly scanned the secret letter, his eyes narrowing: "Yongfeng Grain Store... the owner, Qian Yongfeng, appears to be a law-abiding merchant, and he also has some dealings with several officials in the court. If this place is a Liao stronghold, I'm afraid it will have a significant impact."
"Whether it's related or not, we'll find out after the investigation," Xuan Yuantian said calmly. "I've already had people keeping a close eye on that place. When do you plan to make your move?"
Zhan Zhao pondered for a moment: "During the daytime, there are too many people around, and it's easy to alert them. Tonight at midnight, Bai Yutang and I will lead men to investigate. If the evidence is conclusive, we will arrest them immediately."
"Should I send someone to meet you?"
“No need.” Zhan Zhao shook his head, his gaze firm. “Kaifeng Prefecture has enough manpower. Your identity is special, and it is not appropriate for you to be directly involved in such a capture operation, lest you give others grounds for criticism.” He knew that although the Xuanyuan family held a superior position, if they directly intervened in the government’s arrest, it would inevitably cause controversy in the court, especially during this sensitive period.
Knowing his concerns, Xuanyuan Tianyi did not insist, and simply said, "As you wish. If anything changes, the signal will be the proof."
"good."
After having breakfast, Zhan Zhao went out to Kaifeng Prefecture. Bao Zheng was already waiting in the study, and Gongsun Ce was also there.
Zhan Zhao told the two of them the information that An Yu had found about Yongfeng Grain Store.
Bao Zheng's expression was solemn: "Yongfeng Grain Store... I remember that Zhang Hong, the Vice Minister of War, once inscribed a plaque for it."
Gongsun Ce stroked his beard and said, "Zhang Hong has no open dealings with the Liao envoys, but according to my observations, he has been living a life of extravagance in recent years, far exceeding what his salary can provide. It is not impossible that he is colluding with the Liao people."
Zhan Zhao said, "My lord, tonight I intend to go with Bai Yutang to Yongfeng Grain Store to investigate. If we find conclusive evidence, we will then make a decision."
Bao Zheng nodded: "Be very careful. The Liao people are cunning, and since this is an important stronghold, they must be on guard. I will have Wang Chao and Ma Han lead men to provide support from the outside."
"Thank you, sir."
Zhan Zhao accepted the order and left the study. He did not linger in the government office, but changed into casual clothes and quietly left through the back door to meet Bai Yutang at an inconspicuous teahouse in the city.
Bai Yutang was already waiting in the private room, still with his usual lazy and unrestrained demeanor, leaning against the window, toying with a teacup in his hand. Seeing Zhan Zhao enter, he raised an eyebrow and teased, "Oh, Lord Zhan, you look radiant. Looks like you've been doing well lately?"
Zhan Zhao was already used to his teasing, so he didn't respond. He simply sat down and recounted the events at Yongfeng Grain Store.
After listening, Bai Yutang's joking expression vanished, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "Qian Yongfeng? I've heard of him before. He's all talk and no action, but behind the scenes he's been doing a lot of bullying and monopolistic practices. If he really is the Liao people's dog, I'd like to see just how tough he is."
"Brother Bai, we must be cautious about this matter," Zhan Zhao said solemnly. "The situation inside the grain store is unclear, and there may be experts lying in ambush. Our main purpose on this trip is reconnaissance, and we should avoid conflict unless absolutely necessary."
"I know, I know." Bai Yutang waved his hand. "You little cat, you've become even more talkative since you got married. I, Fifth Master, know my limits."
The two then carefully discussed the details of the nighttime reconnaissance, including the infiltration route, signal communication, and contingency plans. Although Bai Yutang seemed nonchalant, his suggestions at crucial moments were always insightful, earning Zhan Zhao's admiration for his meticulousness.
Having reached an agreement, Bai Yutang lazily stood up: "Alright, Fifth Master, I'll go prepare some 'trinkets' to give those Liao dogs a little something extra tonight." Without waiting for Zhan Zhao's reply, he darted out of the window and disappeared into the bustling street.
Zhan Zhao shook his head helplessly, knowing that he must be preparing some sleeping pills, tripwires, or something similar. He sat alone in the teahouse for a while longer, carefully considering the evening's plan, and only after confirming that there were no oversights did he get up and leave.
It was already afternoon when they returned to Xiaoyou Villa. Xuanyuan Tianyi was not in his room; Yin'er said that the head of the family was handling affairs in the building. Zhan Zhao then went to the study to look through the files, trying to find clues in past cases that might be related to Liao Kingdom spies or traitors in the court.
Before he knew it, the sun was setting. Zhan Zhao rubbed his slightly throbbing temples and looked out the window. Dusk was falling, and the lanterns in the courtyard lit up one by one, spreading out clusters of warm light.
Footsteps sounded softly as Xuanyuan Tianyi entered, carrying a steaming bowl of medicinal soup.
"Drink your medicine first." She placed the bowl of medicine on the desk, her tone leaving no room for refusal.
Zhan Zhao then remembered that he hadn't taken the medicine she had specially prepared to regulate his internal energy today. A warmth filled his heart. He picked up the bowl, tested the temperature—it was just right—and drank it all in one gulp. The medicine was bitter, yet had a faint, sweet aftertaste.
"Did you find anything?" Xuan Yuan Tianyi sat down opposite him and casually picked up the dossier he was reading and looked at it.
"Did you find anything?" Xuan Yuan Tianyi sat down opposite him and casually picked up the dossier he was reading and looked at it.
Zhan Zhao put down the medicine bowl and shook his head: "Most of them are old cases, not very relevant to the current situation. It seems that the breakthrough is still in Yongfeng Grain Store and that list."
“An Yu is checking the list one by one. The movements of a few people are quite suspicious, especially Zhang Hong, the Vice Minister of War. After the court session today, he did not return to his residence, but went to a private residence in the east of the city.” Xuan Yuan Tianyi said calmly, “That private residence is registered under the name of a merchant from Jiangnan, whose background is too clean.”
Zhan Zhao's eyes sharpened: "Zhang Hong...it seems he's quite a suspect."
"Whether it is him or not still needs evidence." Xuan Yuantian put down the file and looked at him. "Be careful when we act tonight. I've asked Mo Yan to follow us in the shadows. If things go wrong, he will make a move."
Zhan Zhao knew she was worried about him, and he was touched. He held her hand and said, "Don't worry, I will act according to the situation."
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